doleful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When no one is around, the doleful ex-judge listens to Italian gangsta rap, and sometimes even raps along with it, suggesting he isn’t quite the stereotype others assume him to be.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

She was among about 200 mourners accompanying Alanis García on his doleful final journey through his hometown.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 28, 2025

That doleful mood pervades these interpretations: a sadly beautiful tone; an emotional climax that evaporates rather than reaching a resolution; a heartbreakingly simple plunk of high keys.

From New York Times • Jan. 25, 2024

Shouldn’t all movies feature a disillusioned astrophysicist, particularly one as charmingly doleful as Stanfield’s character?

From Seattle Times • Jul. 25, 2023

When Bernabe Montoya’s doleful voice crackled over the walkie-talkie, the agent replied succinctly, thoroughly, and then absorbed the information, or rather, lack of information, from the sheriff with equal automatic aplomb.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols